Charity football initiative, GoFor24, is set to return to Abu Dhabi in February, raising funds for Operation Smile UAE.
Running for 24 hours from the 26th to the 27th of February at the Emirates Palace, organisers hope to surpass the tens of thousands of dirhams raised from the inaugural challenge in the UAE capital.
Operation Smile UAE work in providing life changing surgery for children born with cleft lip or cleft palate.
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The format of GoFor24 will see the host team play football for a full 24 hours as they face challenger teams in 24 one-hour matches.
John Hassan, founder of GoFor24, said: “I’ve always been passionate about football but wanted to find a way to blend my love of the game with charity in a format that was different.
“There’s no doubting that for the host team it is the ultimate challenge but after the final whistle goes, the players have told me of their incredible sense of pride and satisfaction thanks to their efforts for such a worthwhile cause.”
All proceeds generated from the event will go to the charity, which provides free, safe, corrective surgery for children born with cleft lip, cleft palate and other facial deformities.
These children incur difficulties in eating, drinking, speaking and socialising and some may even lose their lives before their first birthday due to malnutrition.
Hassan added: “The cost of a potentially live saving operation costs around AED 880 per child. From the funds raised at our first GoFor24 we provided enough funds to change the lives of over 100 children and help provide follow up care to increase their quality of life.
“This year we are hoping to increase our donations to raise enough funds to change the lives of more than 500 children or young adults.”
